This Old Gun: Beretta M1934

by
posted on July 8, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Watch our American Rifleman TV video above to learn about the Beretta Model 1934.

Title screen for "I Have This Old Gun" Beretta 1934 Pistol with text on image.

Beretta’s M1934 semi-automatic pistol laid the groundwork for the company's later models, including the modern designs we know today. The models open-top design is certainly a distinguishing feature of the double-action pistol’s slide. The Beretta Model 1934’s cutting-edge design found wide distribution and was commissioned for official duty with the Italian military.

Left-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol with inventory tag.

The world’s oldest gunmaker got right with the M1934. The direct-blowback-operated pistol has a slide that locks back on empty magazine. It offers a thin, single-stack design that is easily carried concealed.

The Model 1934 is a compact pistol chambered for .380 ACP that allows for a seven-round detachable-box single-column magazine. The magazine’s release is affixed to the heel below the lanyard ring. The design provides double-action lockwork with an exposed hammer at the rear. Serrations are found at the rear of the slide.

Right-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol on white background.

Its stocks are made of steel-backed rubber, which, at the time of its release, was a brilliant addition to the handling and longevity of the panels. The pistol provides sights for aiming its 3.7” barrel and is comprised of just 39 parts and makes for a shootable and reliable sidearm.

Man with protective shooting gear on a range with a Beretta pistol.


Beretta’s Model 1934 design was a success. One year after its inauguration, a version chambered for .32 ACP was released. The Model 1934 design set the foundation for the M9 service pistol decades later.

Left-side view of Beretta 1934 pistol.

Watch our American Rifleman TV “ I Have This Old Gun” feature segment to learn more about the Beretta M1934 pistol.

Latest

Compton FNRA June 2026 Hamlin Pasciuti Olsen
Compton FNRA June 2026 Hamlin Pasciuti Olsen

A Successful Friends of the NRA Dinner at Compton Hunting & Fishing Club

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Compton Hunting & Fishing Club in Southern California hosted another outstanding Friends of the NRA dinner.

President Trump Touts the NRA and National Concealed Carry Reciprocity

At the Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa., President Donald Trump reiterated his support for the National Rifle Association as well as his support for national right-to-carry legislation.

Rifleman Review: Savage Arms Revel Classic

Offered as an affordable, rimfire, takedown design, the Savage Arms Revel line of lever-actions has expanded to include several popular chamberings, as well as a deluxe version.

A Modernized Classic: Chiappa's S.A. 1873 Black Thunder

Italian manufacturer Chiappa makes an interesting mix of historical designs, modern firearms and guns that combine both of those elements into one. In the latter category is the S.A. 1873 Black Thunder .44 Magnum revolver.

I Have This Old Gun: CZ vz.27

Pressed into Nazi service, the Czech-produced CZ vz.27 pistol was a popular GI bring-back from World War II.

Federal & Remington Awarded All Four Categories of FBI Rifle Ammunition Contract

The FBI recently awarded Federal Premium and Remington Ammunition—both members of The Kinetic Group family of firms—one of the largest law-enforcement contracts in TKG history.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.